7th Grade: Mark Twain Biography

Please get a set of headphones and go to the following link:  http://www.biography.com/people/mark-twain-9512564/videos/mark-twain-full-episode-2074654020.  We will discuss this video in class on Thursday, so be prepared.

5th Grade GOAL Poetry Reflection

Create a new blog post and answer the following:

1. How did your opinion of poetry change during our poetry unit?  Explain.
2. Which poetry activity did you enjoy the most?  Explain.
3. What poem did you share (or are going to share) with the class?  Give the title and name of the poet.  Why did you choose this one?  

When you're done, publish your blog post and then share the url (web address) of your blog with Mrs. Edlin in an e-mail.  Then you may go to any of the activities in Idleness Prevention Society on the lefthand side of this blog.

Summer Enrichment

Images of Greatness Reflection

Now that the big night is history, reflect on your process and project.  Write a blog post that includes the following:

1. a picture of you with your project (you can also include the group photo, if you'd like)
2. a description of your person and how they were/are important in their field or in history
3. how the person ties with your own personal definition of greatness
4. a description of the food you brought and how it tied with your person 
5. what part of your project made you the proudest
6. what you'd improve about your project and/or challenges you faced completing your project

Then, comment on the blogs of others.  Share your observations about their projects and performances.

Film Reflection

7th Grade GOAL Students:

Write a blog post reflecting about your experience making our FMS Promotional Video.  Include paragraphs about the following:

1.  Explain your role in the film.  What were your responsibilities?  What were your personal successes and challenges?
2. What did you learn about filmmaking?  Explain.
3.  What did you learn about teamwork?  Explain.
4.  What did you learn about your school?  Explain.
5.  What was your favorite part of the video, and why?
6.  What would you improve on the video, if you had a chance?  Explain.
7.  Embed the video to your post.

Invent Iowa Reflection

On your blog, reflect on the Invent Iowa process.  Use elaborated communication in your answers.

• Post a picture of your board and your prototype, if you have one.  Attach links, if needed.
• Describe the problem you tried to solve.
• Explain how your invention is a solution to the problem.
• Reflect on your process.  What went well?  What were your challenges?
• If you could modify or change your invention at this point, what would you do, and why?
• Give any advice to future inventors on how to make this project go smoothly.

When your reflection is done, comment on the posts of others.  Remember what it takes to make good comments on others' blogs.

Robin Hood Costume Ideas

The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood will be presented at FMS on March 3 & 4, 2016.  Cast members:  Look here for costume ideas.  Costumes are due by Monday, February 22.

Merry Men:  Here are some idea pictures for you.  Try to stick with colors found in nature like gray, green, brown, some black (not all black), and maybe some oranges and yellows too.  Leggings, tights, or long johns on the bottom, and long shirts/tunics on the top either belted or roped at the middle.  Brown or black shoes or boots or Converse in any color for shoes.

Fawning Ladies: Long skirts and blouses or long dresses.  Ballet slippers or slip on flats that don't click too badly for shoes.  We'll provide flowers for your hair.  Here are some idea pictures:

Guards:  All black... black shirts, black pants, and black shoes.  We'll provide the hoods.

Deep Thinking Friday, 1/8/16

After working on the Mock Trial unit with 6th grade GOAL students, some questions have been circulating in my mind about the American Judicial System.  Watch the following TED Talk (start at 5:36 because it's a little long for a TED talk... feel free to watch the rest at your leisure).

 

After watching, reflect on and be prepared to discuss the following concepts: injustice, fairness, punishment, equality.  How does the American Judicial System fit in with these concepts?

Independent Project Introduction

It's time to start thinking about independent projects.  Take some time to browse the idea list sent to you in your e-mail.  Take some notes, and make a list of topics you'd like to explore, adding any of your own that you think of, as well.

Next, take a look at the rubric also e-mailed to you to see how the project will be graded.

Finally, take your priority list, and use it to answer the following questions on a sheet of paper to be approved by Mrs. Edlin:

Deep Thinking Friday 12/4/15